Oxfordshire council boss quits role as Lib Dem majority lost

Liz Leffman took the leader job in May 2021 in a Liberal Democrats, Greens and Labour Party coalition called the ‘Oxfordshire Fair Deal Alliance’.

Following the 2025 election, the Lib Dems had a 36-seat majority on the council as Ms Leffman continued her leadership.

Announcing her departure, she said: “It has been a huge privilege to serve as leader of the county council since 2021. I have very much enjoyed the role and the connections that I have been able to make with people all over the county, in all walks of life.

 “However, now is the time for me to stand down.

“In May 2027, we will be having elections for the new unitary council or councils, and as I will not be standing for election, it is right that I hand over the leadership in the run-up to these elections.

“I do intend to remain as a member of cabinet.

“I know that while welcoming new members the cabinet will continue to steer Oxfordshire through local government reorganisation, devolution and the financial challenges that are facing many councils.

“We will also want to re-dedicate ourselves to our priorities based around climate action and sustainable economic growth.”

The new cabinet for Oxfordshire County Council had been announced at the annual council meeting, hours before this resignation statement.

This followed Andrew Gant standing down from his transport chief role, yesterday, May 11, and the future economy and innovation boss, Ben Higgins, leaving his role as well as the Lib Dems.

A reshuffle looks likely to be on the way to make space for Ms Leffman to re-join the cabinet in a different role.

Reacting to the new, Independent Oxfordshire Alliance leader David Henwood said he thought the announcement should have been made ahead of the annual council meeting.

On Ms Leffman’s leadership, he reflected: “Although I have red lines in terms of transportation, Liz has been gracious in her approach to me as a new member.

“She has been the backbone of the Lib Dem group, but sadly her commitment to the workplace parking levy is evidence of predetermination.

“The Liberal Democrats are struggling to deliver policies to both the city and districts.”

The new leader for the council’s Liberal Democrat group is Tim Bearder, who previously stood to be police and crime commissioner in 2024.

There will be an extraordinary general meeting of the council to elect a new leader.

The date of this meeting has not yet been set.

In the interim, the current deputy leader of Oxfordshire County Council, Neil Fawcett, will lead the authority.

Councillor Neil Fawcett. (Image: Vale of White Horse District Council.)